Rómer Saucedo to Conclude TSJ Presidency in December

Rómer Saucedo will remain president of Bolivia's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) for four more months, with his resignation set for the December judicial vacation period. Saucedo, who had previously threatened the government with escalating work stoppages up to an indefinite strike if his budget demands were not met, confirmed his departure.

Following judicial law, the court's dean, Rosmery Ruiz, is slated to assume the presidency. Saucedo stated that the decision regarding who will take over the presidency and deanship will be made by consensus within the full court. When asked if he would continue if the full court decided so, Saucedo firmly denied the possibility, emphasizing that his decision to step down is final.

“

As we have said, we conclude our term this year and will decide who assumes the presidency and the deanship; that matter will be by consensus of our full chamber.

Saucedo's tenure as president will conclude in December, marking two years in the role. Although Article 39 of Law 025 of the TSJ allows for a three-year term and re-election, Saucedo has opted to leave the position. The law also stipulates that in case of temporary impediment or cessation of the president, the dean assumes the role. This provision will apply to Ruiz Martínez.

Saucedo, originally from San Ignacio de Velasco in Santa Cruz, joined the TSJ after the partial judicial elections in December 2024, where he received the highest number of votes in his region. The TSJ currently operates with seven of its nine magistrates, as two positions remain vacant following a judicial resolution that annulled the electoral call in Beni and Pando two years ago.

“

It is a decision already made; no matter how much an attempt is made to change course, we have already made a decision.